As far as cycling goes, I usually find satisfaction in just riding my mountain bike on wooded trails.  In that peaceful setting I do not have to worry about sharing the route with two-ton vehicles and Atlanta's rude and frustrated drivers.  I mean why give them a soft target?  I know that many drivers just wish bike riders would find another place to ride.  I know because I shared that thought before I started to cycle again several years ago. So I usually ride my road bike in quiet non congested parks with wide streets or long multi-use paved trails. I decided to take a leap of faith and try something different on a grand scale.  60 miles with Bicycle Ride Across Georgia's Spring Tune Up Event.  

I reasoned that since I would be one of several hundred riders, what are the odds that I would be singled out as a speed bump?  The odds were not as favorable as those against being struck by lightning but 1 in 800 is acceptable, I hoped.  Be honest, do you really trust that guy in the Honda Civic with huge trunk spoiler, low profile tires, intentionally loud muffler and who's pumping the soundtrack of that NASCAR movie Days of Thunder?  Something tells me he thinks he's Earnhardt and sees my Fuji Sportif bicycle as an impediment to NASCAR stardom. Thankfully, we only saw one or two NASCAR hopefuls.  

The morning started out very cold. Cold enough that I questioned whether I would be doing this ride.  If it's cold standing around, how much colder will it be when I’m cutting through the wind at 20 mph.?  We geared up and went for it. The ride was a great mix of rural scenery, fast downhills and challenging climbs.  Non-outdoor friends and family ask, “why did you ride 60 miles, did your car break” or “that's too much in one day” and my personal favorite “why would you want to do that”?  I just laugh and reply,  "it's all about the challenge".  I'm not an avid road cyclist or super fan.  I'll watch that Tour de France if I happen to turn past it while flipping the channels.  So I wanted to see what it was all about but without the race mindset.  A supported ride was a bit of a mystery to me.  Thankfully I had a good friend who had done several of these distance rides and invited me to tag along.  Every 10 miles or so we had the opportunity to stop and refuel on provided snacks and drinks.  My unofficial team, Four Brothers of Color, had an awesome ride and I'm sure we'll ride again.

 In my last blog I wrote about the “400 Backpackers” of color.  While there are statistically many more people of color who bike, there was not much diversity in the hundreds of riders I laid eyes on. This speaks to why the goal of A Quick Brown Fox, Ayesha McGowan, to become the first African American female pro cyclist should be encouraged and supported.  Being the first or only of anything brings it's own set of unique challenges.  Along the way we encountered very friendly and engaging riders.  I had an awesome experience and I always say don’t let being the first or only be a roadblock to any goal you want to achieve.  I’m already planning for my next distance ride. I encourage you to give cycling on any scale a try.  For you casual beginning or intermediate riders who want to start or level up with cycling, see below for some recommendations and tips to get you going.  These are the same or similar items you see in the title image which is from my cycling kit.  Go ride!

Tips and Gear to get you started cycling

A comfortable bicycle that fits  

Seems obvious but fit and purpose often get overlooked.  For long distance road cycling a straight bar or regular road bike is ideal.  Since I’m not big on racing but do like the positional options a regular road bike gives me I have a Fuji Sportif 1.0.  The Sportif line of Fuji bikes allow you to ride in a slightly more upright position. These are known as Endurance Road Bikes. They help alleviate stress on the back and neck and provide a more comfortable position for long and challenging rides.  I recommend that you buy from a bicycle shop that will allow you to take a demo ride to make sure the style and size of the bike suits you.

Helmet

You should always ride with a helmet.  No exceptions.  There are multiple styles but the most important thing is that it fits properly and that you actually wear it.  My Helmet Fox Brand adjustable mountain bike helmet.

Gloves 

Gloves assist with comfort and I feel they are essential. They provide enhanced grip and take away the concern for slippery sweaty palms in the summer time.  They should be padded to cover the nerves in the palms of your hands to help with potential numbness, pain or discomfort from the nerves pressing against your handle bars.  The geometry of an endurance bike helps with this type of issue.  Giro Super Gel gloves fit the bill.

Pedals

Please don’t opt for the basket pedal where your feet are enclosed inside adjustable straps.  That’s a disaster waiting to happen.  Some bikes will come with those default pedals but make sure you remove the straps or opt for slight upgrade if you don’t want clip-in pedals.  I use a Shimano two sided pedal that allow for casual riding in regular shoes on one side and SPD clips on the other side of the pedal. The clip-in pedals take some time to get familiar with because you have to remember to unclip to release your lock on the pedals.  That’s why I recommend this pedal because the tension required to release is very light and can be adjusted to much lighter tension.  And having two sided pedals allows for more casual riding as well.  Try the Shimano PD-T421 Click’r pedals

Shoes

If you ride with clip-in pedals you’ll need shoes for them. Cycling shoes have a really rigid sole that helps you transfer the maximum energy from your legs, through your feet and to the pedals. You have many styles to choose from.  Go to a bike shop and try them on.  The’ll likely be European and come in European sizes.  The bike shop can help you with this but go for the most common SPD type cleats and it will be compatible with just about everything including your spin cycle at the Gym.  I prefer to have the style of shoe where the cleat is recessed into my cycling shoe sole so that I may walk around normally and not walk on the medal cleat.  This is great for mountain biking as well. Shimano SH-ME3. 

Hydration

Multiple options here but again essential.  Some prefer the water bottles mounted to the bike frame. I still like my trusty camel bak for casual riding.  It can hold up to 3 liters of water for those hot summers and unsupported rides. Also, just in case of mechanical failure and a longer that expected adventure, it’s better to have more water.  Hydration is essential. If you like Camel Bak's and don't mind biking with a pack on your back then try the Lobo.  It's good for day hikes and mountain biking so you can get many uses out of this investment.

Air Pump

Just like your car, proper tire inflation is important. Your own personal fuel efficiency is important as well.  Check regularly before rides.  Again, any sturdy floor pump will do for this.

It’s always good to carry spare tube and inflators but since that’s a little more involved I'll cover that in a quick tip post later.  Don't forget to Subscribe so you don't miss it.

"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:31